WHO WE ARE: Documentary

WHO WE ARE will be a short documentary examining members of the LGBTQ+ community in Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) in Southern Africa. 

As a member of the LGBTQ+ community in Eswatini, your mere existence is illegal. Violence, societal discrimination and harassment against LGBT people is widespread. Losing your home, your loved ones, your job and everything you hold dear - simply because of who you are - is a very real prospect.

According to Rock of Hope, a Swati LGBT advocacy group, "there is no legislation recognising LGBTIs or protecting the right to a non-heterosexual orientation and gender identity and as a result [LGBT people] cannot be open about their orientation or gender identity for fear of rejection and discrimination".

Eswatini is governed by an absolute monarchy with a very poor human rights record of which its constitution does not safeguard the rights of homosexuals and as political parties are banned - this means there is very little opportunity for discussion and debate to improve the LGBTQ+ laws. 


On the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots, we can reflect on a noticeable movement towards increased inclusivity & equality in many parts of the world. But for some, like our friends in Eswatini, that process is only just beginning. In 2018 the country held its very first Pride event. This made a huge statement - of resolve, of freedom and of love. Now, against huge oppression, the Eswatini LGBTQ+ community take their next steps towards seeking equality and acceptance. We must shine a light on their stories. Living a life in the shadows is simply unacceptable. 

Please join us, support us and allow us to tell this vital story. 


The Team

Aidan O’Neill

Aidan is a Dublin born portrait, documentary and fashion photographer / filmmaker. In recent years he has worked predominantly on documentary projects and for international NGO's. Renowned in the sector for being the guy who (after being introduced to the charity Mothers 2 Mothers) quit his 9-5 job and packed up his life in London to move to Eswatini. It was there that he undertook a life affirming project documenting the changing face of HIV/AIDS in a country with the highest prevalence in the world (27.2% of adults aged 15 to 49). His most recent work has seen him cover the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico, the situation facing female survivors of war and genocide in Rwanda, life within Kibera (Africas Largest "slum") and several animal welfare projects. He has worked with a wide ranging selection of NGO’s including Mothers 2 Mothers, Wild at Heart Foundation, Women for Women, Trócaire & The Free Yezedi Foundation, among many more. Through his work Aidan passionately documents & advocates for social justice and equality for all. 

Please see his previous work in Eswatini Here
Please see his work Here 


Samuel John Weeks

Samuel studied at Central St Martins before working for a major creative agency in London. Here he specialised in the production of television and movie promotions. Alongside this he undertook a range of freelance projects which included work for the charities Mothers 2 Mothers, Sentebale and Artaid.World.
Since embarking on life as a freelancer he has continued his work in the charity sector as well as diversifying into music video direction and consulting.  As a member of the LGBT community he is passionate about this project and the wider vital importance of equality for all.  

Please see his work Here 


OUR PARTNERS

We have partnered with 2 organisations based in Eswatini; Eminorities & Rock Of Hope. These partnerships will give us unique access and allow us to sympathetically tell a diverse range of stories from varying members of the LGBTQ+ community from across the country. 

Find out more below:

https://eswatiniminorities.org/ 
https://www.commonwealthequality.org/members/36/ 



WHEN WILL THIS BE DONE?

November 2019

Production:

2-4 weeks filming in Eswatini. We will travel all around the country interviewing people and hearing their vital stories.


December 2019

Post Production:

Sorting through footage & building our narratives
Creation of a trailer 
Film festival submissions (BFI Flare submission deadline mid December)
Exploring distribution deals


January 2020

Main Film Edit:

Continuation of the main film
Sound Design
Colour Grade
Film festival submissions (cont)
Exploring distribution deals (cont)



WHAT ARE WE GOING TO USE THE MONEY FOR?

As you can imagine, a documentary like needs a certain level of investment for us to be able to realistically bring our vision to life. That’s why your contribution is so vital in helping us achieve our goal. You're contribution will go towards funding:

- Hiring essential talent for the production team such as a sound recordist and a second cameraman.

- Equipment hire essential to the production

- Travel expenses for the team. This includes return flights & accommodation for the team of four.

- Editing, colour grading, sound design & mix and artwork.

- Essential promotion for the festival submission and distribution.


THANK-YOU FOR YOUR TIME